Rama: Find proof versus cops

CEBU, Philippines- Mayor Michael Rama has directed Cebu City Police Office acting director Conrad Capa to put in extra effort in gathering evidence against the nine policemen identified in reports to have alleged links with and even protecting drug personalities.

Rama has been strong in his position that want the policemen, once pro-ven guilty, to be removed from service.

In a visit to the police officer last week, Councilor Dave Tumulak, a member of the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council (PCAC), disclosed that he received reports about the nine policemen who are allegedly protecting the activities of some drug lords operating in the city.

Rama immediately instructed Capa to supervise his men personally in gathering evidence to prove the reports.

Last year, reports also surfaced that several policemen assigned at the Talamban Police Station were allegedly protecting drug personalities, particularly those operating in Sitio Dita in Barangay Pulangbato.

The reports surfaced after they failed to conduct  operations against the drug peddlers.

Rama said he wants the police to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs to disprove speculations that he befriended some suspected drug personalities in the city.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, the chairman of PCAC, also hopes that the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will intensify its efforts in the city more.

Recent operations resulted to the killing of suspected pushers and also claimed the lives of police officers. In the past two months, police have confiscated shabu worth P13 million.  (FREEMAN)